Conclusion

Our data show that miRNA-29a is differentially regulated by IFN-γ in CD patients and healthy donors. Further, we provide strong evidence suggesting that microRNA-29a is a novel regulator of the immunosuppressive properties of human BMMSC, controlling the expression of numerous immunomodulators through a STAT-3 mediated mechanism. Elucidation of the molecular circuits regulating the MSC immunomodulatory properties will greatly benefit the design of future clinical trials in CD and other autoimmune diseases.